The ministries of agriculture, economy and industry of Azerbaijan are taking measures to prevent the artificial increase in prices after the devaluation of the manat, Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Heydar Asadov told reporters within the framework of the conference "In the name of the new goals" Dec.24.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan switched to the floating rate of the national currency (manat) from Dec.21, 2015. As a result, the exchange rate of the US dollar and euro to manat rose by 47.6 percent and 47.9 percent and stood at 1.55 manats and 1.685 manats, respectively on the mentioned day.

"We plan to increase the number of agricultural fairs held in the country," Asadov said. "By increasing the number of trade fairs, the ministry of agriculture will provide direct access of agricultural products on the market in order to prevent artificial inflation of prices by resellers."

The minister said during the conference that in the first quarter of 2016 it is also planned to open universal agricultural centers.

He said that various laboratories: agrochemical, seed growing and others will be included in the centers.

"In the centers, farmers will be able to receive counseling services," said Asadov. "In addition, inspection of agricultural products will be carried out to ensure food security."

Nearly 80 such centers will be opened in Azerbaijan in the future, he said.